To fix it you first have to determine where the binding is. I think the grate rotates on a central tapered pin going into a tapered hole. A taper can bind very easily. With a cold stove lift out the grate partially and see if the binding disappears. If so inspect the hole it fits into and the taper for anything that could bind it. A bent actuating rod could also cause binding.

Thanks Franco! The rod is straight. I'll check for the binding in the pivot. Also, could the rod be connected improperly to the grate? I am not sure the exactly how the rod should connect to the grate.

vmi1983 wrote:Thanks Franco! The rod is straight. I'll check for the binding in the pivot. Also, could the rod be connected improperly to the grate? I am not sure the exactly how the rod should connect to the grate.

Matt

Doesn't the rod have a little S type of bend on the end? I think the main body of the rod goes below the grate but memory could be flawed.

vmi1983 wrote:Thanks Franco! The rod is straight. I'll check for the binding in the pivot. Also, could the rod be connected improperly to the grate? I am not sure the exactly how the rod should connect to the grate.

Matt

Doesn't the rod have a little S type of bend on the end? I think the main body of the rod goes below the grate but memory could be flawed.

Yes, I will have to look at at a later date, La Belle is kicking the heat, thanks!

The Godin is burning well.... generally the temps on the barrel near the burn are 600-625F. The Belle Epoque ( small round) is burning fairly well. But it will take more time to understand exactly how to get this stove to burn more efficiently. Specifically, I noticed pieces of unspent coal lodged in the grate. Most of these pieces are pea size.

I am keeping the MPD closed, so perhaps if I open it 45 degrees or so, and reduce the air intake a bit, maybe that will help get a complete burn?

I am trying to shake down twice a day and do one major cleaning. I hate to drop the fire gate, but right now I don't see any other option.

The Large Round burns extremely well, and the coal ash shakes easy and is a breeze to maintain...

-9 F on the partially enclosed rear side porch, last night was very cold. I have no amazing story, the Octagon threw 650F . I removed the tiles a few days back,and reversed the two side panels which induced convection. The little stove worked as it should. But at -9F, and a 1850 house, it was rather cold in the far rooms, 50 F.

So far, the house stays comfortable at 0 F and above and is very comfortable at 10 F plus.....

My friend gave me some nice stove-sized coal. I load the fire pot with some stove, and line the circumference with nut. This seems to burn very well in this weather at a stack temp of 200 F, up 16" from the top flue. I've noticed shake down has been easier. The ash is a super fine gray/white powder.

I use a thin metal hook tool to draw forward some rear ash, and to break down some of the smaller spent coal clumps. Running the stove hotter seems to make shake down less stressful. I don't feel compelled to lower the fire gate, as I call rake and crush the ash much easier.

I am just getting acquainted with this stove, so it will take many more days to unlock the mystery as to how to best operate this unit.

The Large Round ran like a champ. It is an extremely consistent unit. Shake down is a breeze, ash dumps are easy, I can run that stove blindfolded.

BTW, with both Godins, I have 5" pipe connected to 6" outside chimney.

Imperial brand stove pipe manufacturer offers 24 gauge 4" black stove with 4 to 6 " increaser, MPD, etc. I wonder if the Octagon will run more efficiently, somehow,with the 4" stove pipe? The rear flue is 4" , and switching out might be an option.

If someone out there could explain to me the benefit of using 4" with the small Godin, I would appreciate that.

Yes by all means feel free to post some pictures! Excellent news would love to see them both fired up when you get a chance. I am curious about the 4" pipe on the french stoves and wonder if that is a result of the different fuels they burn, I have heard many different fuels such as peat, and bio briquettes, and various charcoals etc. or possibly a way to choke down the fire based on the smaller fire box. History is a great teacher and now that you are burning anthracite the larger flue pipe may be needed, but if you have the extra cash and want to go to original equipment (so to speak), give it a shot and note the various responses and go in the best direction based on your findings! And then again in place of the tiles some diamond plate with lightning bolts welded to it can give i a nice comfy feeling